Amon Amarth: Lyrics, History, Ideology.

Amon Amarth was formed in 1992 in Tumba, near Sweden’s capital, Stockholm. To be exact, the guys had played in the band Scum before, so they just changed the title to form Amon Amarth. The first line-up of Amon Amarth consisted of Johan Hegg, Olavi Mikkonen, Anders Hansson, Ted Lundstrom and Niko (drummer).

Their lyrics are based on death metal themes and Scandinavian mythology, as the musicians were inspired by the Viking spirit. They began with recording their first demo "Thor Arise" in "Lagret Studio" in 1993. The quality of the recording left much to be desired, so the musicians decided to put of its release. Meanwhile they continued playing and composing new material…

Their second attempt at the studio turned out to be much more successful. The recorded demo "The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter" sold out quickly, and Amon Amarth signed a contract with a newly formed Singapore label "Pulverised Records". Amon Amarth decided to begin with a full-length MCD and set to its recording together with Peter Tagtgren in his famous "Abyss Studio". Just in a couple of days Amon Amarth recorded five tracks; two of them appeared in the second demo "The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter". The recording "Sorrow Throughout the Nine Worlds" turned out to be amazingly successful, so that Amon Amarth was immediately attacked by solid labels. All the songs continue the line of their first works; the musicians have found their own creative way and follow it. The lyrics of Amon Amarth combine several related themes: heathenism, anti-christianity, various myths about Scandinavian gods and common warriors. This recording as well as all the following works of the band is penetrated by the atmosphere of epic Viking battles, severe Scandinavian nature and firm will to win.

The Arrival Of The Fimbul Winter – the lyrics of Amon Amarth deal with a coming battle between the warriors of Oden and giants from Jotunheim. However, the lyrics describe not only gods, but also mere mortals taking part in this epic battle.

The Mighty Doors Of The Speargod's Hall – the lyrics tell about brave warriors who are ready to sacrifice their lives to protect faith, liberty and motherland.

Without further thinking, Amon Amarth chose the label Metal Blade Records, with which they work to present day. While Pulverised Records went bankrupt. Soon after the release, Martin Lopez replaced the drummer of Amon Amarth; in 1997 the band went to "Abyss Studio" to record their first full – length album.

"Once Sent From The Golden Hall" was released in 1997. The first full-length album turned out to be more successful than the previous work of the band and made Amon Amarth one of the most promising viking death metal bands. Amon Amarth showed they were not going to change their chosen path. To prove their form intentions, the musicians of Amon Amarth have created their own style and try to follow the image of harsh Vikings. All the songs were perfect. Ride For Vengeance, Victorious March, Friends Of The Suncross, Amon Amarth, and all the other tracks are easily remembered after the first listening.

Victorious March is a real masterpiece of Amon Amarth. It is always included into all concerts and performances of Amon Amarth. The lyrics describe five strong warriors who are threatening their enemies. And this enemy is Christianity. It is also symbolic that the musicians themselves were the prototypes of those warriors; there are also five of them!

Friends Of The Suncross – the lyrics tell about fearless men ready to sacrifice their lives to save a friend. The lyrics also describe five men, it is unlikely to be accidentally…

After the release of "Once Sent From The Golden Hall" guitarist Anders Hansson left the band; he was replaced by Johan Soderberg. Soon Martin Lopez also decided to quit. Fredrik Andersson became the new drummer of Amon Amarth. Fortunately, it was the last change in the line-up of the band. The new line-up of Amon Amarth set off for their first tour together with death metal veterans: Deicide, Six Feet Under, Brutal Truth. After this long tour, Amon Amarth returned to their native "Abyss Studio".

Amon Amarth’s sessions in "Abyss Studio" in 1999 resulted in the album "The Avenger". Having toured around Europe to promote "The Avenger", the band recorded one more album in 2001 entitled "The Crusher". These two works determined the future of Amon Amarth and made them headliners. The albums present logical continuation of the band’s previous works. Having improved the quality and playing skills Amon Amarth have not lost their rage and brutality that is a rear case nowadays.

Bleed For Ancient Gods ("The Avenger") – the lyrics of this song continue to explore the topic of antichristianity. The main idea of Amon Amarth lyrics’s is that Christian spirit is weak, and the lies spread by the church all over the world could not protect it from requital.

North Sea Storm ("The Avenger") – the epic battle described in the lyrics is mostly abstract; it’s more like a call for fighting, the action itself.

Avenger ("The Avenger") – the lyrics explore the theme of requital. The character has forged a magic sword "The Avenger" to fight with his enemies. When his revenged is completed, the Viking feels no hatred or fury anymore, the only thing left is emptiness… so he cuts his veins.

The Sound Of Eight Hooves ("The Crusher") – another hit of Amon Amarth. This time the lyrics are written in the name of a priest. He was enslaved but he managed to escape. The priest is beseeching his god to help him, but he remains unheard. And when it seemed to him he had escaped, he faced Oden himself, and in a moment before his death the priest realizes his god does not exist…

Masters Of War ("The Crusher") – another portion of blasphemer’s lyrics from Amon Amarth. One more bloody picture of Christians and their church.

Having released two albums, the band set off for a tour, during which they for the first time visited the U.S. Meanwhile they were composing the new material, and in 2002, the guys started recording their next album, this time in "Berno Studio". "Versus the World" turned out to be amazingly successful; Amon Amarth just showed there is always room for improvement. The musicians have chosen the only right way in their creative work, they didn’t go experimenting, they chose evolving, working at their weak points and underlining their merits. Amon Amarth began to explore other topics in their lyrics, besides Scandinavian battles.

Death In Fire – very impressive intro of the album. Another masterpiece by Amon Amarth. The lyrics present a real epic subject of the last battle in this world – Ragnarok, and of the following future.

Versus The World – the lyrics correspond to the song’s title. Amon Amarth continue to fight with “the civilized” world.

...And Soon The World Will Cease To Be – the last track of the album. The lyrics are closely connected with the first song of the album Death In Fire, and a sort of continuation.

After the release of the album Amon Amarth and their ideology gained popularity, which is growing faster the musicians have expected. This was the right moment to release the new break-through album - "The Fate of Norns". Amon Amarth set off for "Berno Studio" again to record their future masterpiece. It’s difficult to believe, but Amon Amarth musicians manage to improve what has already been perfect. Everything in their music got more mature, including the quality of recording, the music itself and the lyrics. The themes of the lyrics got more diverse, Amon Amarth exploring various topics in their songs.

The Fate Of Norns – a 100% hit by Amon Amarth. Since the album was released, this song has always been included into any track-list of the band. Very impressive lyrics. The lyrics tell about a man who has lost his only son; emptiness and despair set in his soul, he realizes there is no sense to continue living so he chooses to die together with his son.

Arson – this track is a real battle anthem of Amon Amarth. The lyrics explore the topic of fellowship: superior forces of the enemies attack a small Viking settlement, they are fighting, but the result is predetermined. Only five warriors stay alive, they hold the line in the house, but the enemies burnt the house, the warriors vow vengeance, but only one of them remains alive.

Once Sealed In Blood – this track continues the theme of Arson. The lyrics describe the survived warrior; he returns many years later to avenge his best friends killed in that horrible battle.

Right after the release Amon Amarth set off for a worldwide tour; they performed at Wacken Open Air 2004, where they were met by 30000 fans! To give credit to their fans Amon Amarth released in 2005 a triple DVD "Wrath Of The Norsemen", which included live recordings of five full-length concerts of Amon Amarth! Then Amon Amarth set off for "Fascination Street Studios" to record their next album "With Oden On Our Side". It seemed that Oden himself had blessed the musicians of Amon Amarth and their creation as "With Oden On Our Side" became a turning point in their work. This time the band decided to work with producer Jens Bogren. The musicians appreciate this cooperation, as they had never sounded so firm and impressive! Amon Amarth presented the new quality of the sound; for the first time the band concentrated on composing new music and new lyrics, without digressing from this purpose. They shot the first videos on the new album’s songs "Runes to My Memory", "Cry of the Black Birds". The musicians of Amon Amarth declare they are going to move on to gain greater popularity and recognition!